An Introduction to Micro Needling

Microneedling, or collagen induction therapy, is a new and innovative way of treating acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, and even hair loss.

The goal of microneedling is to create thousands of micro channels throughout the skin into the dermal layers of the skin, without removing the epidermal layers. This allows for a roughly 80% absorption of applied topical products into the dermis versus just a 3% absorption of the same products with out the use of the microneedling pen.

The injury to the skin also causes the production of collagen and elastin resulting in tighter, thicker, more youthful looking skin.

The micro needling pen typically uses 11 surgical grade titanium needles which create over 900 micro channels per second! The needles are set to a specific depth of .25mm – 2.5mm depending on the indication and skin thickness in the area to be treated. The device is then motioned around the face in alternating patterns to ensure coverage of the treated area as well as to maximize absorption of applied products. Topical products are to be applied before and during the treatment as needed. Some pin point bleeding can occur at depths of 1.5mm and deeper, but will go away in just a few minutes.

Post treatment, the patient can expect minimal discomfort comparable to a minor sunburn. General erythema will last from anywhere from 24-48 hours depending on the individual and the depth at which the treatment was administered. Makeup can be applied within 30 mins of the treatment although it is recommended to wait for up to 6 hours if possible.

Micro-needling Pen vs. Derma roller

A micro-needling pen, such as the Cosmopen, creates precise vertical micro punctures into the skin using a small electric motor. Derma rollers are manual and enter and exit the skin at an angle resulting in a much less precise puncture which causes unnecessary damage to the epidermis.

The electric Micro-needling pen also creates many times more micro-channels into the skin which exponentially increases the uptake of active ingredients being used and the end results obtained. Sanitation can also be a concern with derma rollers. Most micro needling pens use a disposable cartridge to insure safety.

Micro-needling Pen vs. Laser resurfacing

Micro-needing and a fractional laser treatment work very much in the same way and can even be used in conjunction. The advantage to micro-needling is the ability to administer topical active ingredients to the dermal layers during the procedure. Although fractional laser treatments general produce more dramatic results in fewer treatments, down time is also much longer and treatments are considerably more painful. Retail pricing for micro-needling is generally about 1/3 the cost. Not to mention, the price to purchase the laser can be as much as 70 times the cost of the CosmoPen!